West Indies Women level ODI series

The White Ferns One Day International series against the West Indies will come down to a decider, after the New Zealanders were comfortably beaten by 89 runs in the second match at Sabina Park in Kingston today.

A solid all-round performance with the ball helped the White Ferns limit the hosts to 148 in the first innings, with Morna Nielsen’s brilliant figures of three for 12 off 10 overs leading the way. In reply, their batting faltered badly and they were dismissed for 59 off 28.5 overs.

Coming off a century in the opening match, captain Suzie Bates (4) was unable to repeat her heroics and was the first casualty of the White Ferns pursuit when trapped lbw. That was quickly followed by the dismissal of Sophie Devine and the run-outs of both Natalie Dodd (7) and Amy Satterthwaite (2), leaving the visitors struggling at 21 for four.

It didn’t get much better, with the longest partnership of the innings coming from a last wicket stand of 15 between Katie Perkins (18 not out) and Sian Ruck (5).

Stefanie Taylor was the chief destroyer for the West Indies, taking three wickets in eight overs for 10 runs.

Earlier, the West Indies had got off to a strong start after winning the toss and opting to bat first. The opening pair of Kycia Knight (24) and Nathasha McLean (21) took their side through to 52 without loss, but a Nielsen inspired collapse ensued for the home side.

At 90 for seven the White Ferns were applying good pressure, but a late 29 from Shaquana Quintyne pushed the West Indies close to the 150 mark.

Nielsen’s efforts were supported by Erin Bermingham and Bates who collected two wickets apiece, while Nicola Browne also claimed a scalp.

The two sides meet again on Friday at 3am (NZ time) for the deciding ODI match.